Welcome to the Cuisenaire® Company website

We are the original and exclusive producers and distributors of the Cuisenaire® Rods in the UK since 1954, and the publishers of the books for teachers and students by Dr Caleb Gattegno and Mme Madeleine Goutard. Here you will find videos of children working on mathematics; details of the sets of Rods and the texts available as well as numerous other resources for anyone wishing to know more about this versatile, multifaceted tool for the study of mathematics.

Cuisenaire® Rods in the classroom

We have created a library of short videos showing children from Years 1-5 using Cuisenaire® Rods to solve a variety of problems. Click on any of the images below to access the videos.

You are here:

Home

Cuisenaire® Rods

Georges Cuisenaire was teaching at his school in Thuin in Belgium when he invented these now famous rods as a means of helping his pupils with their study of arithmetic. He made then a discovery now established as a vital component in mathematics teaching today. He found that by making use of children's natural inclination to play, and giving them an appealing material which demonstrated the relationships on which mathematics is based, it was possible to provide understanding for them all.

Many years passed before the work he was doing spread to other countries, but the use of the rods in schools today is probably world wide. The work started by Cuisenaire remained relatively unknown for twenty years or more until a meeting between him and a visiting lecturer from the University of London, Dr Caleb Gattegno, mathematician and lifelong educator, who instantly recognised its power and educational value. Gattegno's contribution was to develop the uses and applications of the rods, providing a new teaching approach and a completely revised curriculum for mathematics. His insight into the ability of children led him to the realisation that they are capable of far more than traditional teaching has ever produced; and his expectations have been borne out by children all over the world who have startled teachers with their remarkable grasp of mathematics.

Sales and Helpline

01348 874890

Notice for Schools

Schools, colleges and all educational establishments within the UK may prefer to order by telephone or email. These orders will be invoiced on our usual 30 days net terms. Orders received in this way and with a minimum net value of £300.00 (exc. VAT) will qualify for a 10% discount. This discount is not available on website orders

When ordering please include official order number or reference.

Contact us by:

EMAIL: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.